On September 15, 1949, The Lone Ranger (played by Clayton Moore ) premiered on television*.

The Lone Ranger rode the plains on his horse, Silver, searching for truth and justice.  At the end of each show, he would jump on his horse, shout, “Hi-yo, Silver, away!” and ride off into the sunset.

Then someone would say, “Who was that masked man?”

The response:  “Why he’s The Lone Ranger.”

Why talk about The Lone Ranger here at Business Class?

Because he is a terrific role model for leaders.

He never took off his mask, which would never fly well in today’s we-must-be-transparent environment.  But  he looked for the truth, took action and didn’t need credit.    AND – he  made it clear what he stood for.  Here is The Lone Ranger Creed.

The Lone Ranger Creed

I believe:

• that to have a friend, a man must be one.
• that all men are created equal and that everyone has within himself the power to make this a better world.
• that  God put the firewood there but that every man must gather and light it himself.
• in being prepared physically, mentally, and morally to fight when necessary for that which is right.
• that a man should make the most of what equipment he has.
• that “this this government, of the people, by the people and for the people” shall live always.
• that men should live by the rule of what is best for the greatest number.
• that sooner or later … somewhere … somehow … we must settle with the world and make payment for what we have taken.
• that all things change but truth, and that truth alone, lives on forever.
• in my Creator, my country, my fellow man.

Whether you agree with each element of The Lone Ranger Creed or not…my point is that strong leaders make it clear what they believe and what they stand for and what they expect.   Making it a whole lot easier – and inspiring – to follow.  Mask or not.

Whether it’s about managing mistakes or making goals or taking care of people on your team…

• do people know what you stand for?
• do they know what you expect?

Before they can know, you must know.   Do you?

Not many people do.  But if more people did, we would have a lot  more really good leaders who people love to follow!

The kind of leader that takes charge, makes things happen and is so inspiring that when he or she leaves, everyone says, “Who was that masked man?”  (or woman).

Could it be you?

Yes – it could be.

Will it be?

I invite you to post one or both of the quotes below for reinforcement.  And if I can help, let me know.

Jan is a coach, teacher, speaker and author who is passionate about performance management and corporate culture.

Her coaching specialty is working with women in leadership to take charge more effectively, make things happen and inspire others to do the same.

Two favorites from the Be a Better Manager section of the Business Class Quote Library.

These are designed as wallpaper for your computer.  All it takes is 3 clicks:

1. Click on the image.
2. Right click.
3. Then select “Set as desktop background”.

Voila! There’s still plenty of room on the left side of the screen for all your shortcut icons.

Printable versions available in the Quote Library for these and 153 other instructional and motivation quotes.Don’t have access to the library yet? Get your password here.

Note:    If you don’t like your new wallpaper, don’t want to replace it with a quote from the Business Class Quote Library and don’t know how to get rid of it……

Go to your control panel. Select “Display”. Select “Desktop”. And then choose from the designs offered.

*Before 1948, The Lone Ranger was featured on the radio, comic strips, comic books, books and film.

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